Diving Tanks
Posted on May 21, 2009 under Scuba Diving | No CommentOriginally known as the cylindrical pressure vessel, the diving tank is one of the most vital components of your diving equipment. Scuba tanks, or dive tanks, are responsible for storing and transporting high pressure breathing gas. This piece of diving equipment is what keeps the diver alive and breathing underwater. The gas is provided to the diver through the demand valve of a diving regulator which divers put in their mouth. Common dive tanks used by average adults may measure up to 80cu. ft. Other scuba tanks used by teens or petite women may be less than that depending on their lung size, fitness, and other factors.
Types of Tanks
Diving tanks are made in two types: Aluminum tanks and Steel tanks. There’s not much difference between the two other than the obvious fact that they are made out of different metals. Aluminum dive tanks are the most common in the world and since they are more cost efficient, especially compared to steel dive tanks, they can be found at almost any dive resort or scuba rental shops. They are much lighter than steel tanks which make it easier to carry around.
The steel tanks come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They have better buoyancy characteristics compared to aluminum tanks as they do not float at the end of the dive. You do not have to spend more effort in counter-weighting them as you would with the aluminum tanks since they are already naturally heavy. If well maintained, the steel tanks last way longer than aluminum and is said to keep working for decades.
Pros About Scuba Tanks
Scuba tanks have amazing durability which is means you can save a lot of money through the years as you do not have to replace your diving tank that often. If well maintained you can keep putting extra cash aside for other dive equipment or other personal expenses. Both types of dive tanks, steel and aluminum, last up to ten years and over if they are properly maintained.
It is easy for you to determine which tank you should use for the type of diving you are planning to do, and these dive tanks come in different sizes with different volume capacities and pressure designed for people with different breathing capabilities.
Cons
One main problem when owning a scuba tank is the chances of rust corroding it. Since the only material strong enough to resist the pressure of the air compressed in the tank is metal, scuba tanks are all made out of this. Rust forms when this metal is in the presence of sea water. But rust can be prevented by frequent and proper maintenance.
Due to its sizing and weight, dive tanks aren’t very easy to travel around with and they can get quite annoying and this is another important factor to take into account. The best advice offered is that you should own a tank only if you are a frequent diver, other than that it would be easier for you to rent scuba tanks unless you are sure you are going to dive more often.
To Conclude
Every scuba diver needs a scuba tank in any dive that involves staying underwater for a long period of time. If you are a frequent diver then it would be cheaper for you to actually own a diving tank rather than renting one several times. Proper maintenance is all that is required to keep your tank lasting for years and years. It is easy to pick out which scuba diving tank will suit you and your bodily limits. The cost is very reasonable as the life periods for dive tanks are very lengthy. There are many deals you can find online for discounts on tanks.
